One of the specialist days of your life can also be the most expensive day of your life. There’s a very good reason people make livings out of being a wedding planner as there are just so many things to consider. So often we focus on the main parts like reception, dress and rings but there are so many factors to take into consideration. Below are the top 10 wedding costs to help you plan for.
1. Marriage license
Depending on the state you are getting married in the license can vary anywhere from $25 – $100. Certain states can also require a blood test or come counselling which can see that cost double. Make sure you have all the required types of identification when applying and also know if you need to apply together.
2. Wedding party gifts
Generally, the amount of work put in from the bridal party can be insurmountable. They work tirelessly for months prior helping make sure everything goes perfect for your special day. Make sure at the end of the wedding and reception you thank them appropriately with nice gift to show your appreciation. Typical gifts can be jewellery for bridesmaids and something like an engraved flask for the groomsmen. This is commonly one of the top 10 wedding costs overlooked.
3. Family presents
Along with gifts for the bridal party it’s also important to show your thanks and appreciation to your parents and immediate family. Not only have they probably helped the most with this journey they have always been with you and your wedding day is something you want to celebrate with them and remember for the rest of your life. A nice typical present could be an engraved photo frame with your best wedding photo in it.
4. Undergarments
You’ve spent that much money on the perfect dress for the big day making you look and feel fabulous but still remember what plans lie ahead for after the wedding. Wedding undergarments, really nice ones can easily be one of the top 10 wedding costs that you may not initially factor but make a world of difference for how special you feel and look.
5. Welcome bags
When looking at your guest list you’ll remember that a lot of your special or most important guests have probably had to travel a long way. Some interstate, some maybe even from overseas. As these people have gone to considerable trouble and probably personal cost just to celebrate this day with you it’s very nice to have some type of welcome bag for them consisting of things like local attractions as they may also make a holiday out of the trip, directions, a schedule of events and a personalised note for them. You free to add more if you wish but welcome bags can be one of the 10 wedding costs overlooked.
6. Pre-wedding food
The day of the big event is generally a very early morning start as bridesmaids are getting their hair and makeup done which can take some time. Given the fact they’ve already done a lot for you and are taking their entire day just for you it’s nice to have them completely catered for from the moment they arrive. A small and light breakfast with maybe a fruit platter, teas and coffees and a sandwich platter are the most typical options organized.
7. Tips for vendors
Same as you tip in everyday lifestyle don’t forget to tip those who help make the day run perfectly. People such as DJs, limo drivers, hairstylists and caterers and deserve and appreciate the tip at the end of their service.
8. Vendor meals
You’ve done the meals for the guests, but have you considered those also helping? The photographer, videographer and DJ all working long hours and should be able to eat too. It’s a nice courtesy to say thanks for their efforts on your big day.
9. Sales tax
Whenever getting any type of quote from your vendors, regardless of the part they play in your day, do make sure on the quote the sales tax is listed. Without this initially listed, you can soon find your quotes are more expensive that you thought. This can easy creep up into you 10 wedding costs overlooked.
10. Gown cleaning and preservation
Most wedding gowns end up being held on to and possible handed off to the next generation. You’ve spent a lot on the purchase and want to be able to spend whatever required to keep it in that fantastic condition.
So when you are planning the big day, go over the above points. So often we only consider the biggest things but there can be so many more wedding costs overlooked. Hopefully this give you good insight and know how many factors there are to take into consideration. While these list the 10 wedding costs overlooked, always be on the lookout for anymore.